Courses

Undergraduate Courses

JOUR-C 201 Topics in Journalism (1-3 cr.) Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from semester to semester. May be repeated once for credit with a different topic. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.

JOUR-C 300 The Citizen and the News (3 cr.) A study of the institutions that produce news and information about public affairs for the citizen of American mass society and problems about the selection of what is communicated. Case studies. International comparisons. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.

JOUR-C 327 Writing for Publication (3 cr.) A workshop for nonmajors to improve writing skills and learn basic requirements of writing for publication. Instruction in market analysis and interpreting specific editorial requirements, in gathering and researching background materials, and in preparing manuscripts. Examination of various types and styles of published writing. Will not count toward journalism major requirements.

JOUR-H 200 Ernie Pyle Scholars Reporting, Writing, and Editing (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131 or equivalent with C or better, Journalism Honors program standing. Working seminar stressing the creation of journalistic stories for diverse audiences. Students will learn to develop story ideas, gather information, combine visual and verbal messages, and to write and edit news.

JOUR-H 300 Ernie Pyle Scholars Communication Law (3 cr.) P: At least Sophomore standing, Journalism Honors program standing. History and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications system.

JOUR-H 410 Media as Social Institutions for Ernie Pyle Scholars (3 cr.) P: Completion of JOUR-H 300 with C- or better. Examination of functions and impact of mass media in society with focus on the United States. Examine values of organizations and the professional and ethical values of journalists. Critical analysis of the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on operation.

JOUR-H 461 Ernie Pyle Scholars Capstone Seminar (3 cr.) P: Senior standing, Journalism Honors program standing. Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
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JOUR-H 499 Ernie Pyle Scholars Honors Research (3 cr.) P: Consent of the Director of the Journalism Honors Program. Opportunity for independent reading, research, and experimentation on relevant issues in journalism and mass communications. Work with faculty member on individual basis.
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JOUR-J 155 Research Techniques for Journalists (1 cr.) A nine-week online course emphasizing basic research techniques used by media writers to gather information for news releases, newspaper articles, magazine pieces, and other forms of journalistic-style writing. Skills covered include researching Internet and non-Internet sources. Ideally this course is taken concurrently with J 200.

JOUR-J 160 The Media Village (1 cr.) P: Residence in the Media Living-Learning Center. This course brings together students with shared academic and professional interests for events, speakers, readings, and discussions about journalism and media in the twenty-first century. The primary goal is to establish a unique model of individual learning, a “College of One,” based on the value of experiences beyond the classroom.

JOUR-J 170 Wordsmithing (2 cr.) Workshop on the mechanics of journalistic writing and editing. The course builds on the basics, focuses on the practical and strengthens confidence as a practitioner.
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JOUR-J 200 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131 or its equivalent with a grade of C– or better and fundamental computer skills. Working seminar stressing the creation of journalistic stories for diverse audiences. Students will learn to develop story ideas, gather information, combine visual and verbal messages, and to write and edit news.

JOUR-J 206 Journalism Reporting in a Global World (3 cr.) The goal of the course is for students to understand and articulate the issues in global journalism and the role of the media as a participant in shaping societies.
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JOUR-J 210 Visual Communication (3 cr.) Theories of visual communications including human perception, psychology of color, and principles of design. Application of those theories to photography, video, and graphic design in news communication.

JOUR-J 261 Studies in Journalism (1-4 cr.) Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material. Topics may change from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

JOUR-J 300 Communications Law (3 cr.) P: Sophomore standing. History and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications system.

JOUR-J 303 Online Journalism (3 cr.) P: JOUR-J 110, JOUR-J 155, JOUR-J 200, JOUR-J 210 each with C- or higher. Explore nonlinear methods of storytelling and how web-based tools can enhance journalism written and online work. In addition to building existing skills, students use photography and embedded audio to create story packages for an online magazine.
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JOUR-J 307 Media Career Planning (2 cr.) Prepare for job or internship searches. Polish a resume and portfolio. Learn how to write impressive cover letters. Practice interviewing skills. Articulate abilities and experiences to potential employers. Learn how to use campus resources and to network. Prepare a career action plan. May not earn credit for the B.A.J. degree for other job search courses: ASCS-Q 299, COLL/ASCS-Q 400, SPEA-V 352, BUS-X 320, X 410 or X 420, and JOUR-J 307.

JOUR-J 320 Principles of Creative Advertising (3 cr.) Survey course about the field of advertising with a focus on its function as a means of communication. Learn how marketing, psychology, research, mass media, law, and ethics are important to professionals working in the industry. Class will emphasize use of strategy to develop creative advertising.

JOUR-J 321 Principles of Public Relations (3 cr.) Survey course about the theory and practice of public relations. Examines public relations’ function within organizations, its impact on publics and its role in society. Topics include the evolution of the field, the range of roles and responsibilities that public relations practitioners assume in a variety of settings, ethics, and significant issues and trends that have shaped the practice. Course provides a foundation for more advanced study in the field. Also useful for those planning another professional or managerial career that requires an understanding of public relations concepts and management practices.

JOUR-J 337 Media Economics (3 cr.) This course explores how economic forces influence production of media content, particularly at U.S. organizations. It examines basic economic concepts, such as market and competition, as they relate to commercial media organizations. Special attention is paid to the effect of advertising and market considerations on news decisionmaking.

JOUR-J 344 Photojournalism Reporting (3 cr.) P: J 110, J 155, J 200, and J 210. Must have own camera. This is an intermediate photojournalism course focusing on the basics of light, camera operation, and the use of the digital darkroom. It includes instruction in spot news and feature photography as well as instruction in ethics, privacy, and law.

JOUR-J 349 Public Relations Writing (3 cr.) P: J 155, J 200, and J 321. Develop the professional writing skills expected of beginning public relations practitioners, including different approaches required for a variety of audiences and media. Focus on the basics of good writing as well as the art of writing. Brush up on AP style. Learn how to work effectively with clients.

JOUR-J 354 Photojournalism Editing (3 cr.) P: J 344 or permission of the instructor. Workshop on the role and function of the picture editor for the print and Internet news media. Theory and practice of picture editing skills including assigning, selecting, cropping, writing captions and blurbs, producing informational graphics, designing photo pages, editing by computer, and managing visual journalists.

JOUR-J 360 Journalism Specialties (1-4 cr.) Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

JOUR-J 375 Race, Gender and the Media (3 cr.) Survey and analysis of how news and entertainment media represent issues of race and gender. History of women and people of color as media professionals and media consumers. Discussion of contemporary problems and potential solutions.

JOUR-J 385 Television News (3 cr.) P: J 353 or consent of instructor. Preparation and presentation of news for television. Practice in writing, reporting, filming, and editing news for TV. TV writing problems; use of photographs, film, and videotape; problems of sound in TV news; ethical problems of the TV film reporter and editor.

JOUR-J 401 Depth Reporting and Editing (3 cr.) P: One 300-level reporting course and one 300-level editing course. Study and practice in using techniques of social science and traditional methods of investigative reporting. Class will plan, write, and edit news stories in depth.

JOUR-J 403 Laboratory/Field Experience (0-3 cr.) C: J 425 and J 453. Laboratory or field experiences for prospective journalism teachers at the middle school or high school level. May be repeated. Graded S or F only. May be repeated.

JOUR-J 407 Newsgathering and the Law (3 cr.) P: J 300 and junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Students study the law relating to the content of news media and the processes by which that content is created. Discussion includes the legal issues triggered by story framing, selection of sources, interviewing, photography, and access to information. The course involves reading and research using primary legal materials.

JOUR-J 410 The Media as Social Institutions (3 cr.) P: J 300 and senior standing. Examination of the functions and impact of the mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discussion of the values of media organizations and the professional and ethical values of journalists. Critical analysis of the relationship of the media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on the operation of the media.

JOUR-J 412 Business Coverage and the Business of Journalism (3 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. Explores business journalism. First, becoming prepared as a journalist to critically report on business topics. How to approach the gathering, framing, and interpretation of business information. Business issues faced by journalism organizations will be assessed. Application to the evolving journalism career landscape.
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JOUR-J 415 Literary Journalism (3 cr.) A study of literary forms and techniques used in journalism. Topics to be considered include formal considerations such as voice and structure, reporting methods, and ethical issues. Students will supplement reading with writing experimental pieces of their own.

JOUR-J 418 Field Experiences in Journalism (4 cr.) P: Journalism major in good academic standing. Competitive admission, requires application. By permission of department only. Topical course integrating classroom and field experience. Includes 10-day field experience during term. Field experience will change based on topic. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

JOUR-J 423 Public Opinion (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Behavioral study of nature, operation, molding, and influence of public opinion, with practice in its measurement and evaluation. Discussion of major political, social, economic, and cultural problems.

JOUR-J 428 Public Relations Planning and Research (3 cr.) P: J 321 and junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Theories and principles relevant to public relations research and strategic planning, including development of goals and objectives, client relationships, budgets, and research methods.

JOUR-J 429 Public Relations Campaigns (3 cr.) P: J 321. How to develop a campaign proposal to meet a client’s business objectives and how to pitch it. Part of the course focuses on media relations and crisis communications training.

JOUR-J 431 Public Relations for Nonprofits (3 cr.) P: J 321. This seminar focuses on how a nonprofit organization creates images, and how it shapes its programs and goals to gain public support. Assignments and readings are designed to foster a practical understanding of promotional techniques and campaigns using journalistic and other media.

JOUR-J 438 Advertising Issues and Research (3 cr.) P: J 320 and junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Seminar in current developments in advertising as an economic and social force. Examines contemporary issues in the profession. Students will conduct independent and original research projects.

JOUR-J 448 Global Journalism: Issues and Research (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Structure and function of international communication systems and barrier to flow of information among nations. Emphasis on gathering and disseminating information around the world. Study of the major newspapers of the world, international news agencies, and international broadcasting and satellite networks.

JOUR-J 450 History of Journalism (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. American social-intellectual history integrated with the story of news media development, emphasizing the historical relationship of the mass media to American social, economic, and cultural patterns and developments. Origin, growth, shortcomings, and achievements of media. Impact of society on the media and vice versa.

JOUR-J 453 Methods of Teaching Journalism (3 cr.) C: J 403. P: EDUC-W 200, EDUC-P 255, EDUC-M 300, EDUC-H 340, and EDUC-M 314. Examination of the methods, techniques, content, and materials applicable to the teaching of journalism at the middle school or high school level. Experience provided to assess ongoing programs in schools and to study materials appropriate for these programs.

JOUR-J 460 Topics Colloquium (1-4 cr.) P: Junior or senior standing. Topical seminar dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term. May be repeated for credit with a different topics. May be repeated for credit with a different topics.

JOUR-J 462 History of 20th Century Photography (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing or permission of instructor. Surveys twentieth-century photography as a medium of art and communication. Considers portraiture, landscape, still life, the nude, conceptual photography, the social documentary tradition, the magazine picture story, fashion, advertising, and war photography. Examines the impact of post modern theories on photographic practice and the understanding of photography.

JOUR-J 464 Infographics (3 cr.) P: J 463 or permission of instructor. This course builds a foundation of knowledge about the visual display of quantitative data and the ethical issues in graphs and maps. Students put this knowledge into practice by creating graphs, maps, and explanatory diagrams in Adobe Illustrator for print publication and in Flash for motion graphics.

JOUR-J 488 Agency Practicum – Agency 7 (3 cr.) P: Junior/senior standing. Permission of Instructor by application. Capstone, clinical experience that models the professional practices and service offerings of world-class integrated marketing communication media agencies. Implement public relations/advertising services for real clients through service learning. Professional skills, proficiencies, and best practices through hands-on learning. May be repeated once for credit.

JOUR-J 491 Undergraduate Full-Time Media Internship (3 cr.) P: Approval of Career Services Director. Journalism majors only. Work commitment: 40 hrs/week for a minimum of 9 weeks in a 15-week term. Supervised professional experience. Maximum 3 credits of internship may count in BAJ, either through Journalism or any academic unit. Full-time status for Registrar, not always for Financial Aid.

JOUR-J 492 Media Internship (1-3 cr.) P: Prior approval of internship coordinator; journalism majors only. Supervised professional experience in communications media. May be repeated, but a student may take no more than 3 credit hours total of internship credit for the B.A.J. degree, either through journalism or any other academic unit.

JOUR-J 493 Journalism: Off-Campus Registration (0 cr.) P: Consent of the School of Journalism undergraduate dean. This noncredit course is for journalism students studying off campus temporarily as part of the B.A.J. degree program.

JOUR-J 496 Foreign Study in Journalism (3-8 cr.) P: Consent of the School of Journalism dean. Planning of research project during year preceding summer abroad. Time spent in research abroad must amount to at least one week for each credit hour granted. Research paper must be presented by end of semester following foreign study.

JOUR-J 499 Honors Research in Journalism (1-3 cr.) Opportunity for independent reading, research, and experimentation on relevant issues in mass communications. Work with faculty member on individual basis. May take twice for a total of 4 credits. No more than 3 credits at one time.